Where have you lived?
Quirky answer that brought humor to explaining how I didn't fit in in my hometown (essay began with "This particular cellular conglomeration came to be in Shanghai, where it remained for seven years."), and ending with reference to University's location ("I’ve never lived where winter means snow, not gray sludge or oppressive humidity- I’m excited to try it.")

Supplemental Essay for Wellesley: “Why us” school essay

38 Words

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Explained breadth of my intellectual curiosity (referencing treasured nerdy items like art history socks and anatomy coloring books) and how that relates to the school's students, then passion for gender equality and experience of attending a women's college

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College Admissions Advice

What I’d change about my application process (U Illinois)

15 Words

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Don't apply EA! The pool...

My advice about getting recommenders

18 Words

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Take classes with the sponsors...

What might make for a good “Why Us” essay topic at my school

29 Words

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Be honest– even if it's just "I love the...

Additional material sent in after waitlisted or deferred (Brown)

36 Words

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If you're deferred, send in additional materials (I sent a resume...

Whether I took out loans or applied for scholarships, and my advice

24 Words

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Only accept federal direct subsidized loans– they're...

Why I declined other schools

33 Words

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Some other top choices didn't give me enough financial aid;...

Whether I used a private admissions counselor, and advice I received

15 Words

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You don't need one! Get ...

List of schools I interviewed with and my interview experience

22 Words

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Didn't interview at safeties or Wellesley, and...

What set me apart from other applicants

44 Words

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I did one thing really, really well, and devoted an unspeakable amount of...